Another very tough climb (video & pics)

[luv2climb]

Wow. I'm amazed. So I regularly read your posts and I have questions. So how old or young are you? Why hills? Do you do this for "fun"? Personal challenge? Do you cycle competitively or on a team? I ask because I can't imagine that a typical cyclist would do this. Quite inspiring. I drove to a nature park nearby and there is a sign which says "14% grade" in the distance of less than a mile! Heck, the car struggles to get up it and I can't imagine riding my bike up it!

I'm 44 years old. I love the challenge of climbing long steep hills and mountains. I don't race, but in 1993 when I was normal weight I did a little mtb racing for a few months. I did pretty well, thanks to the climbing. But when it was time to upgrade I immediately found out how much I sucked compared to the other women.

I think it's a Northern California thing. We have lots of mountains nearby, we climb them. Last weekend I rode up Mt Tam, 5500 feet of climbing and descent in 37 miles. Mt Diablo climbs 3500 feet in 12 miles and ends with a 17% grade for a quarter mile. Tons of cyclists are up there every weekend.

Veronica

You hit the nail on the head!

I'll have to climb Mt. Diablo one of these days, especially since I read that it ends with a 22% grade.